my custom designed m17xR3 cooler design (PLANS)

hey guys, i was fooling around in google sketchup yesterday/today and was making a design for a cooling pad suitable to my needs, as of today it features (2) 200mm fans in the back corners and i am working on adding a 120mm at the front of the laptop powered by an AC outlet, if it gets built I will make sure to add quite a few LED lights to match the laptop. i think i could be built of metal/ 1/16 angle iron. if someone can tell me how to upload a sketchup file i can do that and you can all see it up close. i do have a question though, is (2) 200mm fans and (1) 120mm fan too much? i mean i know its a ton of cooling power but thats what some need(me). the purpose of this is, as you can see an uber powerful cooler that is designed to stay put on a desk for long periods of time(home gaming desk), when i finish it, it will have a panel on the side with about 6 or so toggle switches controlling fans and lights so it can stay plugged in and run on full power with a couple switches. but i just am not sure if it really needs that much cooling

the second box in the left of the bottom two is a box made to the almost (accurate to 1/8") exact specifications of the size of the R3 not the R2, the table itself has a slant on it for ease of keyboard access.

EDIT: also dont forget in the pictures there will be another 120mm fan added in the middle front section. and im such an airhead, i put this in the alienware section when i could have swore i put it in the m17x section... geez good thing its a weekend here! lol

 

This is so cool. Looking forward to the outcome of this, and hopefully you can share the build-instructions to the community

Have a great weekend!

 

Hey thanks for the input man. I'm going to work on the plans for a while before I get everything ordered/bought, and the reason I'm doing it is to help out any group I think deserves it, I've been a part of some just plain rotten forums and this one is on the other end of the spectrum. As soon as I get a working model that I think is a good working version I will make a thread with everything needed and plans to build it. I love doing this kind of thing. And yes I know it's extremely overkill but I'm all about that so this is just me.lol and you have a good weekend to!

 

I used to build spud guns, so I know the fun of putting together batteries, cables, and switches Radioshack and Frys are your friends, definitely.

I'm thinking a usb hub plugged into a usb-accepting a/c adapter would work for the ports portion. For the fans, I'm not exactly sure how you plug those in if you're not using a desktop PSU.

 

I have read that you can wire an ac adaptor to the black and red fan wires and eliminate the yellow wire on a 3 pin conector. And although messy it would work. But I want this to look clean so maybe someone smarter on this will chime in and explain how to do it properly without a desktop PSU like you said. But I dont know what do about LEDs from there. I'm going to have to wire the two 200mm fans on one toggle switch and then the one 120mm on a separate one to controll which ones are on. And then All the LEDs are going to have to be wired to toggles. Gonna be a pain in the butt but cool when it's done.

 

this project just got a whole bunch less redneck lol, does anyone have experience with the item fan controllers, i found an external one on newegg and it is external and could power 4 fans, so maybe i could set one to feed air to the two monster back fans from the outside. and it comes with an ac adapter. this project just got easier and cheaper then before....CHEAPER FTW!!!!! lol

heres a link anyway: Newegg.com - SilenX IXA-FCEX External 4 Channel Fan Controller

i got some more work done on the model to but i dont have time to upload pics right now.

 

Wow, that's really cool man. Keep going!! Maybe Frys or Radioshack would have something similar, cuz newegg's is "deactivated"?

 

Great Idea maybe as a small lip at the bottom to prevent the laptop from sliding Just a thought.
here is an idea for the fans http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834997730#sf

 

^^This. There's too many out there that don't have the lip.

 

yeah i added a lip on the design last night, i did notice that neweggs was de-activivated but it was one of the only external ones i could find. i will keep looking, i also noticed a lot of them dont have an OFF position which would mean even all the way down the fans would still turn unless i could find a way to wire a toggle switch between the power source and fan control box, but ill keep looking, i also found some expanded metal i could use for a top plate intead of a slid sheet of metal. for those who dont know what expanded metal is here is a pic:

thanks for the help guys, this is gonna be a fun project, ill get to use my new welder i bought after the last one took a dump.lol

 

Have you seen this?

CM Storm SF-19

 

yes i have actually, i like it but part of this project is to make it completely by hand, i mean sure i could go out and pick this up for say... i dont know $100-$150 with usb3.0 but i could buil one for about $50 or so with all materials and i would get to do what i love, build things! but thanks for the suggestion anyway.

 

I have the storm and it is awesome. One piece of advice though is to make the front nearest you as thin as possible. If it is thick then it will be uncomfortable with how think the alienware is.

 

Horray for grills! As long as it's solid and not flimsy like the grill/mesh on your workplace/office's ceiling a/c vents, then you are on the right track.

I'm following this project to the very end, and will letcha know if I find anything which fits the bill for "external fan controller." More than likely though, you can prolly rig something with toggle switches from radio shack, and put them into one of the little black project cases (they're like 2" x 2" x 6" and made of abs plastic I think). LIke any of these: radio shack project box - Google Search

 

Yeah I'm thinking something like that might be the way to go. Toggles are so cool they make it feel like your driving an airplane, or in this case a space ship. The plan is almost completely don't but I keep changing the design, but I think I've almost settled. About the wiring. I would like to do that anyway but I don't want it to look like crap and I'm not sure what ac/dc adapter to use and how I should wire it (series/parallel) and what to wore to what. Idk I'll think about it and when I've got the wiring figured out I'll order all parts at once. Anyone know where to get LEDs for a good price? And what colour should I go with. I cand do all of them but I want it to match alienFX.

Edit: I looked closer at more project boxes and I think I got an idea. Ill figure it out and see what it turns out like and post a diagram later or tomorrow.

 

If you go with project boxes, prolly best to go serial, cuz of the space limitation Not sure how parallel would look. I'm no electric-tech-guy, but I'm pretty sure serial would be fine in terms of the space, because I've tried it with 9v batteries inside the project box for my spud gun.

 

Yeah I'm thinking the same. Working on a diagram for how it will be wired and I'll post a picture in a few hours (about 4) and all the electronic geniuses will help me revise until I got it right. I also found last night that I can order a 2.1mm dc in jack similar to what is on most laptops (not AW) and a 2.1mm dc power adaptor so all wiring will be hiden and it will look clean and simple with appox. 3-6 toggles. Ahhhh I'm ranting again I'll talk to you all in a while I gotta get this wiring plan done.

 

here is the work so far, yellow wire controls RPM so everyone knows, i will look into 3 way toggles later for 5/12v power because as of now i belive its 12v full time and even though i chose quiet fans it still makes 18db per 200mm fan at 800rpm but moving almost 77cfm per fan WOW!!!!!

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/Shenker10/Capture.png

 

I'm not sure what the terminology is, but here's how I would do it. Forgive my rough sketch, as I'm no electric engineer. This just comes from my experience of wiring for spud guns, and I was using 9v batteries in a line.

Also, thx mang, for the shout out in your pic You're the man!

 

Cleaner then my drawing lol. I did want the 120mm fan and other 2 on separate fans. The 2 back 200 mm fans on the same switch. The reason being that is you are not gaming you could leave the small one on and turn the two back ones off cooling the HDD, and ram slots only instead of having the whole laptop being shot with air meanning quieter and less power used. Again like dookie11 said... If there are any electronic experts out there that see this I am needing advice so I can compose a shopping list
HELP ME WITH THESE:
What wire should I buy
AC/DC adaptor and input/output cables

so far I have marked down to buy:
10 on/off toggle switches(I only need 5 but I can always use them)
Approx 25 white LEDs (again only will use 10)
Project box from radio shack(not sure on size yet)
(2) 200mm fans from newegg
(1) 120mm fan from newegg
AS FOR OTHER MATERIALS:
Grinding wheels/metal jigsaw blades
Welder/welding wire
5'-8' of 1/2" x 1/2" angle iron (again don't need all of it)
2'x2 price of expanded metal AKA grate

 

See attached.

That's what you want if you want to controll the 120mm and the two 200mms seperately. Note though that with this setup, the small fan must be on for the back fans to be on. Makes sense really, but just to point it out.

 

Or you can do this and you don't have to turn the small one on to have the two in the back on or vice versa

 

^ Or that.

That's what three hours sleep does to you I guess.

 

The second one done by katalin is badly what I set up in my diagram but I did mine like it would be inside the project box, thanks for the suggestions though... There well appreciated.

EDIT: sorry katlin auto spell on ipod fixed basicly to badly... it made it sound rude. so sorry didnt mean that

 

These are all pretty cool drawings. I'm learning alot here, and may ponder building my own cooler one day. Someone needs to make a suggestion for the voltage regulator though, cuz we can't just simply go out and buy a plug thingy and just hook up the fan wires to it, cuz it'd blow up or something, right? Also, what do you hook the fans to anyway?

@Shenker, you can just buy the fans from Frys--they can be cheaper and you can just pick 'em up on the day of. Also, where do you buy the grate? Does homedepot sell that kind of metal?

 

Nice job the project looks promsing...but...

...not to ding you for your design work or anything, but why is there always so much chatter about cooling? Is the laptop incapable of cooling itself adequately or is everyone getting ready to overclock the thing?

Just really curious. I'll be thoroughly disappointed with Alienware if it turned out I needed a cooler.

 

This laptop runs the coolest out of anything you'll ever see...People (and I) just like to keep stuff cooler. I spent $80 on the CoolerMaster Storm which is essentially what he is trying to build. The CM Storm is 100% the BEST cooler you can buy especially with the swappable 140mm fans.

 

cooler laptop=longer laptop life... it think that answers itself

@ dookie11, in Canada there are no frys or i would, very few electronic stores

 

It's $80...which is SLIGHTLY more than your build cost.

 

How high does the SF-19 at front add with your r3? Is it still comfortable to type?

 

If your chair is high enough then it is nothing to worry about. It is comfortable to type on. Just if you had a really low chair it would definitely be uncomfortable for your wrists. I am sure it is fine for most everybody, though.

 

Oh thanks for the info. Could you post more pics of your r3 with your SF-19? Thanks!

 

True, although much of my decision for going with a laptop was to reduce the clutter associated with accessories. I sincerely hope the computer doesn't choose commit suicide when gaming without a laptop pad. *crosses fingers*

 

no it wont, it compares with g73 cooling which is really good cooling, but i want to protect my investment for a long time

 

Can you post info about where one can buy the metal/steel/aluminum stuff that you're using? Can we just roll into homedepot and buy that kinda stuff? Please advise. Thx, and how's the progress?

 

Most home depot/hardware stores/home improvement centers won't carry expanded metal. Some will but not all. Best place to go to get it is at a local welding shop But some other places do carry it. Couldnt recommend one off the top of my head but lots of places carry it. Been busy so I haven't got much done but I did get some more done on the sketchup file but not much. It's hard though because I don't own an m17x so I rely on dimensions only provided by you dookie in the bags/backpacks thread. I injured my leg badly yesterday skiing so I have all day tomorrow to modify the plans and compile a list of things I need to buy. And about expanded metal, if you go into a local lowes/home depot and ask they might have some. It is made of steel and can be painted. In this case everything will be black exept white LEDs but the whole thing can be painted with rustoleum/krylon fusion in any colour. Might even wanna try bedliner in a can for looks.

 

A company called Koolance makes a nice fan controller idk if you knew that.. also are you using steel for this?

 

make sure you file down the edges of that expanded metal grate you plan on usings. them corners can get sharp!

might want to check to see how the holes in the grate line up with the rubber feet on the bottom of the lappy. you may get on foot in a hole, and one not in one, making it lean slightly lol. idk if this applies to you, but if i put this much effort into this, i wouldn't want it to lean at all..

might consider making channels on the inside to let it draw its air from the sides/back so it can be set down on a bed or something?

 

You might want to make channels on the sides, cuz you want the freshest/coolest air possible, and I don't think the backside would offer that But then again, you can make it on both

 

Yes steel is primary (yeah, yeah... Laugh it up at this heavy beast) it is because aluminum is stupid hard to work with at home and steel has GREAT cooling properties (staying and keeping the metal cold) and will last FOREVER! Yes I have added open air vents on all 4 sides to feed the 3 fans in the model and I will post updated pics with the antislide lip, vents, and palm rest from top surface to the table it would be sitting on which all 3 were suggested by members (massive shout out to all of you guys/gals). I'll check out the fan controller but I might have an idea to switch between 5v and 12v power for lower fan speed. Thanks for all the advice/help guys it's all greatly appreciated by me.

 

i havnt done any research on cooling pads are you pushing in air or pulling air out? if your pushing in air you could make a slim bottomed one buy mounting fans in the rear upright and channel the case properly. the case would be like a L but laying down. Ive done metal fab before but on bigger stuff idk i have it kinda picture in my head.

 

Does the r3 need it? I hear it runs cool and quiet.

 

You should roll down to your local radio shack or frys. I'm sure they'd sell voltage regulators w/ switch and ac plug and all. I'd imagine they'd have one with a knob and stuff too.

 

@dookie11 ive looked, you can buy components for it for sure... and thats what im going to end up doing, for the power control im going to wire a 2 way toggle (on-on) and have that controlled by another (on-off) switch for main power so one switch will control fan power but to lower speed you can switch one more and have 5v power for about 1/3 the speed, noise, and air being outputed.

@last pick, this is a pushing setup that will push air towards the laptop and when i first thought about a cooler i thought of an L too but it just wasn't coming together right for me so i switched tracks to a box style cooler.

 

heres some updated pics without the switchbox or palm rest on it

 

if anyone has ideas on where to place a project box let me know... i have not ordered one yet so i can get any size.

 

yea your right now that i think about it..... it would be pretty massive..

 

A few updates for you, buddy. As you may be aware, today I went to Frys

Found a number of goodies, that I think you'll be very interested in. Most definitely, I will be buying these things once my lappy arrives

I believe that this is the item that we've been looking for! I searched and searched, and found nothing else at Frys. Then outta nowhere, while looking at the fan controllers (the ones you can stick in your tower), I saw this. (See attached photos). At $9 bucks, it really hits home. It has attachments for regular case fans too! Combo that with two 180mm fans, which Frys had a 2pack of coolermaster LED 180mm fans for 10bucks, and you will surely save a ton of money AND TIME. You can prolly even buy a toggle switch and solder one in between the wires, I bet. I really hope this helps ya out You can prolly avoid buying an ugly project box altogether, because of this slick find

I'm gonna go back to get this, and prolly find some cheap fans online (please share links if you can find a better deal than the 2 for $10 180mm fans).

^^ Lots of happy faces today, huh?

 

That is a great find man thanks. I wonder if somewhere like futureshop or bestbuy sells one. There are no frys in Canada but i will check the website for them and have a look at this. The only thing that might be an issue is that from the looks of it. It only has 2 conectors which in all things considered is fine. But dang it my username is shenker10 and shenker10 don't roll with "fine"!!!!! Haha but I'll have a look for sure and thanks a ton. Let me know if it does in fact have 3 outputs then I'll see if I can order one.

Also realized I can't run the 2 back fans in series like I originally thought, because in a series circuit each fan will only get 6 v so the whole system is going to have to be run is parallel circuit or I will have slow fans and very low airflow. I'll try to get another diagram drawn up tonight

 

Sorry if I missed it but are you going to paint it or powder coat it?